Navy Federal Credit Union

Harry Sternburg graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1948. He resigned in 1954 as a U.S. Army Captain.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Field Artillery)

    Regiment:

    65th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 19, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 67 (March 12, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Harry John Sternburg (ASN: 0-57209), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Heavy Mortar Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 19 February 1951, near Kodong-ni, Korea, Lieutenant Sternburg was forward observer in support of a company which was attacking Hill 88. The leading platoon was pinned down by a murderous hail of fire from a pillbox. Being unable to direct mortar fire on the pillbox because of the proximity of friendly troops, Lieutenant Sternburg, with complete disregard for his own personal safety and while under intense small arms, mortar, and artillery fire, crawled to a point within thirty yards of the pillbox and threw hand grenades into the enemy positions. Having failed to knock out the pillbox, Lieutenant Sternburg crawled to the rear, re-supplied himself with grenades, and again returned to hurl them into the pillbox until it had been completely neutralized. The inspiring actions of Lieutenant Sternburg resulted in the success of the assault on the hill, and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.